From Chaos to Clarity: Lessons from Women in Design
Oh hey, it's, Rosie again,
Last Friday, I was invited to take part in Design Assemblys annual 'Women In Design Day’ alongside powerhouse women in design.
I sat in a room full of creative women, spanning generations from their 20's to their 60's.
For me, the highlight was keynote speaker, Cat Van der Werff, Executive Creative Director at Canva. It wasn't just her words but her brutal honesty and vulnerability she shared that moved us to tears.
Her words felt like a mirror, reflecting truths we don’t often speak about as creatives, entrepreneurs and changemakers.
She started with a simple but profound idea:
"Once you come out of chaos, clarity feels infinite."
I’ve lived this. You probably have too. When life or business feels so overwhelming that chaos becomes the default and the only constant. We forget that stepping out of the chaos is within our control but actually doing that can feel scary, overwhelming and near impossible.
But once you do? That’s where the magic happens. Cat reminded us that clarity isn’t just a goal, it’s a moment to reconnect with yourself, your purpose and your vision.
Here are the lessons from Cat that I walked away with:
1. Embrace Change (Even When It’s Scary)
Change is uncomfortable because uncertainty triggers fear. Our brains are hardwired to resist it. Cat’s advice? Microdose on change. Small, intentional shifts can help you lean into long term transformation without overwhelming yourself in the short term.
2. Perfectionism Is a Selfish Act
Letting go of perfectionism isn’t about lowering your standards; it’s about allowing excellence to shine. Perfectionism is selfish because it centers your fear instead of focusing on the impact of your work.
3. Design Has the Power to Change the World
"Design changes people, and people change the world." This reminder hit me hard. Whether it’s in the way we approach our work, our brands, or our lives, intentional design has a ripple effect.
4. Celebrate the Little Wins
When was the last time you paused to celebrate a small victory? Taking time to reflect and acknowledge progress, no matter how small, fuels your momentum and gives you permission to create more victories for yourself and your business.
5. Ask for Help
Cat didn’t mince words: Not asking for help isn’t scalable. Whether it’s in business or life, collaboration is key to growth.
6. Be Intentional
“Know what you want so you can plan and create for the life you want.” This isn’t just advice, it’s a mantra. Without clarity on your goals, you can’t build the foundation for a life that feels aligned and fulfilling.
My takeaway:
The day left me inspired, not just by the wisdom shared but by the collective energy in the room. The power of women coming together to reflect, learn and grow was transformative.
Now, I challenge you:
What small step can you take today to embrace change, let go of perfectionism, or design your life with intention?
Until next time, Forever in your corner,
Rosie x
#1 Hype Gal and Mindset Mentor
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